Home gym equipment – 5 basics for at-home workouts

While going to the gym 3 times a week is something you tell yourself you’re going to do every other month, there are always excuses: it’s too expensive, too far, you feel self-conscious in front of other people, etc. But what if you brought the gym to you instead?

Working out isn’t fun for everyone. Besides the extra pounds we constantly obsess over, some of us deal with all sorts of fears and insecurities, which can make going to the gym daunting and intimidating. If the gym is a no-go for you, here are 5 pieces of home gym equipment to help you set up a comfortable, yet efficient weight loss environment.

A set of dumbbells

Dumbbells are the most accessible pieces of home gym equipment you can include in your fitness regimen. They add variation and difficulty to your exercises, depending on their size and weight. They come in sets of two, weighing between 5 and 100 pounds each, and exercises are performed holding one in each hand.

Using dumbbells helps you work out your upper body strength, as well as engaging multiple muscle groups at a time. As a beginner, you should start with lighter weights and work your way up.

Gym mat

A good gym mat is a necessity for any home-athlete in the making – “love the pain” doesn’t refer to back injuries and carpet burns. You can find them in a variety of sizes, colors and designs. The most popular varieties are yoga mats, which are thin and compact and made of rubber and latex. They are quite versatile, but they can be quite pricy.

Pick you gym mat according to your budget and available space, as well as the type of workout you’re going for – but don’t spend too much money on this item, it’s not going to burn calories for you.

Jump rope

The jump rope is a fun and useful addition to your home gym equipment – it’s also cheap, compact and easy to use. Jump rope exercises make for great cardio, they improve balance and coordination and they also bring back some childhood nostalgia. You can find them at any department store – the ones you find at gym equipment stores can be more expensive.

Ankle weights

Ankle weights are great for those who prefer jogging, cycling or even dancing – they increase the level of difficulty without hindering mobility, and they are much safer to use than other free weights (it’s harder to drop an ankle weight on your foot than a kettlebell). They are also quite versatile, as they can be used both indoors and outdoors, depending on your preference.

Make sure you adjust them properly so that they fit snuggly and comfortably on your feet and keep them (and all other home gym equipment) clean.

Resistance band

In the absence of complex workout machines, a resistance band is the perfect addition to your home gym. They are among the cheapest home workout equipments, but also the most versatile – they can be used for both your upper and lower body, including arms, legs and chest.

You can find them in a wide variety of colors, designs and resistance levels, which can make you break more or less of a sweat.